The General Authority of Customs (GAC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accredit the Customs Training Center as a regional training center with WCO. It will work with the latest internationally-approved training specifications. The MoU was signed by Chairman of GAC HE Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal and WCO Secretary-General HE Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, during a meeting held via video conference.

Commenting on the occasion, GAC Chairman said: "Signing this MoU represents an exceptional event in view of the importance the Authority attaches to training and developing its human cadres, recognizing the importance of enhancing capacity building and raising the efficiency of customs administrations in the countries of the region to carry out their tasks and responsibilities effectively, especially in light of the increase in the volume of global trade and its changing patterns, and the need for more facilitation measures, which require more international and regional cooperation to provide a useful framework to enhance efficiency and customs efficiency and build capacity, in accordance with best international practices and standards".

Al Jamal underlined that the accreditation of the Customs Training Center in Qatar as a regional center is a culmination of the efforts made by the Center and the continuous achievements it has achieved since its establishment in 2007, noting that the Center will be a qualitative addition and make a distinctive contribution to building and strengthening the capabilities of customs workers in the countries of the region during the coming period.

Source: Government of Qatar